Welcome to Medical News Today

Healthline Media, Inc. would like to process and share personal data (e.g., mobile ad id) and data about your use of our site (e.g., content interests) with our third party partners (see a current list) using cookies and similar automatic collection tools in order to a) personalize content and/or offers on our site or other sites, b) communicate with you upon request, and/or c) for additional reasons upon notice and, when applicable, with your consent.

Healthline Media, Inc. is based in and operates this site from the United States. Any data you provide will be primarily stored and processed in the United States, pursuant to the laws of the United States, which may provide lesser privacy protections than European Economic Area countries.

By clicking “accept” below, you acknowledge and grant your consent for these activities unless and until you withdraw your consent using our rights request form. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

Please accept our privacy terms

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, personalize content and offers, show targeted ads, analyze traffic, and better understand you. We may share your information with third-party partners for marketing purposes. To learn more and make choices about data use, visit our Advertising Policy and Privacy Policy. By clicking “Accept and Continue” below, (1) you consent to these activities unless and until you withdraw your consent using our rights request form, and (2) you consent to allow your data to be transferred, processed, and stored in the United States.

Six surprising health risks in your home

We all know that our homes can be a repository of health risks, if not managed properly. Mold, bleach, gas leaks — these are all certified hazards. But what are some of the less obvious household risks? We investigate.

Home, sweet home? What are the hidden hazards in our safe havens?

Our home is our safe haven, a place infused with markers of our tastes, interests, and personalities. We share our homes with people, creatures, and things we love, and they provide comfort and joy.

Yet, our homes can sometimes also pose risks to our health. For instance, gas heaters and stoves, in the absence of proper ventilation, can release enough carbon monoxide to poison us.

Another health hazard lies in all the domestic cleaning products containing bleach. As Medical News Today reported earlier this month, using bleach-based cleaners can lead to chronic lung disease. Other common disinfectants used in the home have been linked with birth defects.

Still, these may not exactly be unexpected hazards: the toxic properties of cleaning products, for example, are no secret, and this is why we keep our stove cleaners stowed safely away, and out of the reach of children or pets.

Other household hazards, however, are nowhere near as obvious. In this article, we will look at the hidden risks in our homes, and investigate when friend turns into foe.

Dishing the dirt on dust

Dust has a way of getting everywhere. No matter how hard we try to keep all the surfaces in our homes shiny, chances are we won't have managed to rid ourselves of all the dust.

It accumulates in corners that are hard to reach, behind beds and sofas, under fridges, and on top of the tallest shelves. Some of us may even choose to ignore it, since dusting is a real chore and, after all, what harm can a bit of dust do?

Research suggests we shouldn't be so hasty in dismissing its harmful effects, however. One study covered by MNT last year found that the dust that gathers in our homes is replete with toxic chemicals.

Remember the toxic cleaning products mentioned above? The chemicals released in the air when those products are used combine and settle with dust, covering floors and other surfaces. This hidden enemy, the researchers explain, is particularly harmful to infants and small children, who crawl around or play on the floor.

The analysis of multiple studies looking at the impact of indoor dust within North American households concludes that "a wide array of chemicals used in everyday products find their way into indoor environments across the country, where people, including vulnerable subpopulations like children, are continuously exposed."

"In this way," the researchers add, "the indoor environment is a haven for chemicals associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, cancer, and other health effects."

A viable solution to this problem, the authors suggest, would be to replace toxic products with safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives.

You've made your bed, now lie in it?

There's nothing better than crashing in your own bed at night, after a hard day's work. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend 9.58 hours per day engaged in "personal care, including sleep," so beds are definitely an important part of our home environment.

This is all the more reason to make sure that our bedware is comfortable and clean. Yet, according to a study from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, "most exposure [to allergens] occurs in bed."

Used pillows and mattresses are repositories of fungi and dust mites.

A later study from the same lead researcher, Dr. Ashley Woodcock, found that used pillows are home to a wide array of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, which can cause serious health problems to people with immunodeficiencies.

"Of the three most abundant fungi found, A. fumigatus is a well-recognized allergenic fungus. Indeed more allergens have been identified in A. fumigatus than any other fungus to date," the authors note.

The researchers say that consistent exposure to this and other fungi, especially in childhood, might trigger asthma. So, what to do? The study suggests investing in hypoallergenic pillows and bed covers.

Another study found that, on average, there are as many as 110 mites per gram of mattress dust.

However, the concentration can vary greatly depending on the level of air humidity, so the researchers advise that reducing humidity by letting in as much fresh air as possible could diminish or even eliminate dust mites.

Dangers of scrubbing up well

Perhaps one of the least expected health hazards is the everyday antibacterial soap, which is so often advertised as the best ally against dirt and unwanted bacteria. A study previously covered by MNT suggested that triclosan — an antimicrobial substance found in soaps and shampoos — was tied with cancer and liver disease.

As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the marketisation of antiseptic products containing triclosan and another harmful antimicrobial, triclocarban.

"Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water. In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long-term."

Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA

However, the FDA's ban doesn't extend to hand sanitizers or wipes, and triclosan — somewhat controversially — is still an accepted ingredient in some toothpastes, as it is reportedly effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

Another controversy surrounds phthalates, chemicals widely used in common personal care products, including shampoos, hair sprays, aftershaves, and nail polish.

Phthalates have been linked to sperm DNA damage, which "adversely affects male fertility, contributing to poorer embryo development and lower pregnancy rates among partners of men undergoing assisted reproductive treatments."

Odorants: Something smells fishy

Who doesn't relish the subtle fragrance of a scented candle in a romantic setting, perhaps perched on the edge of the bathtub in the evening, to help us relax and feel pampered? Some of us probably have hidden stashes of scented candles at home, ready to be taken out and lit on the right occasion.

If you're a fan of candles, best to go all natural, to avoid toxic particles being released in the air you breathe.

Yet, some researchers aren't so sure that the benefits outweigh the risks in the case of these aromatic decorations.

A report issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2001 found that scented candles and incense can be a source of indoor pollution, and some could have negative effects on health.

The report found that burning candles with lead core wicks can result in an air lead concentration that goes above EPA-recommended levels, and that incense smoke could be tied to cancers and contact dermatitis.

Incense smoke could also release enough benzene and other toxic particles to endanger health.

In an interview, Dr. Ann Steinemann, from the University of Melbourne, Australia, notes that scented candles — even unlit ones — can be harmful, especially to people with asthma, or individuals susceptible to migraines.

"I have heard from numerous people who have asthma that they can't even go into a store if the store sells scented candles, even if they aren't being burned. They emit so much fragrance that they can trigger asthma attacks and even migraines," she says.

One solution for the candle-lovers among us might be to stick to all-natural, vegetable wax candles which, researchers note, do not produce toxic chemicals.

Indoor gardens: More doom than bloom?

Speaking of scents, surely there can be nothing more natural than the scent of flowers. Another common sight in the home, potted plants and cut flowers adorn many tables, shelves, and window sills.

Although flowers and other houseplants are a rich source of beauty, pleasant scents, and oxygen, some may need more careful handling and strategic positioning, not because they require more or less sunlight, but because they can be dangerous.

Often, such plants are only toxic when flowers or other parts are ingested, so while they won't be much of a problem for the discerning adult, they can endanger curious young children, or feline and canine friends.

For instance, the eye-catching and sweetly scented lily has many toxic varieties, such as the calla lily, Easter lily, and tiger lily.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) list all three of those as variously toxic to cats, dogs, or both.

Oleander is also highly poisonous, so, if managing cut branches, handle with care, always wear gloves, and make sure to wash your hands afterward. Oleander cuttings should also be placed out of the reach of children and pets.

The aloe plant can be used to treat burns and sores, but did you know that it also has toxic properties?

In terms of potted house plants, aloe is often a top preference for those of us with practical inclinations, since it famously has numerous health benefits. Its gel-like sap can soothe burns, rashes, and has antibacterial properties.

However, what many of us don't know is that certain parts of the aloe plant — such as the latex "sheathing" from which the gel is squeezed — are actually toxic, so whole-leaf aloe vera extracts can have adverse effects.

Finally, if you're a fan of cut flowers, there's another hidden enemy you should be wary of. The stale water in a vase of cut flowers houses up to 41 different species of bacteria, research has found.

This includes 12 species of Pseudomonas bacteria, which can lead to hard-to-treat, stubborn infections, especially in the case of individuals with a weakened immune system.

So, the next time someone brings you a large bouquet that lasts for days, or possibly weeks, make sure to replace the water regularly, to avoid not only nasty smells, but also clusters of unwanted bacteria.

Pets: Not always man's best friend

Now, don't shoot the messenger, but your beloved pets can be a source of disease, as well. Animal friends can offer us endless, selfless affection, and can help improve our mental well-being.

However, if not vaccinated and dewormed on time, or if their cleanliness is not reasonably ensured, then pets can be a source of infection.

One study published in Cell Press marked cat litter as a matter of public health concern, as it can house a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, which can lead to a disease known as "toxoplasmosis," characterized by cysts that can linger in the system for as long as the host is alive.

When it comes to common pet products, flea collars are often a top choice for owners whose cats or dogs like to enjoy an outdoors adventure.

However, a report issued by the Natural Resources Defense Council in 2006 found that some chemicals contained by flea collars are dangerous for pets, as well as humans.

Pesticides such as tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) and propoxur, the report noted, are human carcinogens, and should thus be avoided.

Fortunately, the EPA have recently reached an agreement with companies marketing flea collars to stop producing items containing propoxur. However, TCVP is still an accepted pesticide, athough, as stated on their website, the "EPA is working with product manufacturers to address these risks."

Were you already aware of the household risks mentioned above? Has this article prompted you to change anything in your home to minimize health risks? We would love to learn how you ensure that your home stays healthy and safe, as the private sanctuary it should always be.

2019 Healthline Media UK Ltd. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.